Witch Hazel

[Redgrave101]

So i bought some witch hazel today, Wasn't much choice being that they only had a gel form and a boots 'own brand' lotion...
I went with the lotion.
My question to anyone who uses witch hazel is how is it best applied? Do i apply it onto cotton wool and dab it on? Or just rub it in? Do i then have to wash again afterwards?
The intructions left much to be desired and i would rather have you guys advice me on this than wikipedia 

[BillOnBass]

Hm, I've never seen witch hazel in gel or lotion form. I imagine the lotion would be best applied by rubbing in a small amount and leaving it in.

[customdoors1]

Apply by hand just like any other lotion .
Cotton balls or anything else will absorb the lotion and cause white fuzzys

[Noodles]

Never seen it in a gel or lotion form either.

It sounds more like you bought something that may contain Witch Hazel as an ingredient, but for the most part, I've always seen it in a liquid form.

For the liquid: Splash a bit of it on, rub it in, and let it air dry, as a final step to your shaving adventure!

- Cap'n Noodles -

[customdoors1]

Hey Noodles nice shine whats your routine ?

I am using shave secret and headslick then i am doing a cold water rince witch hazel and aloe vera gel nice shine but gets greasy .
I tried just witch hazel but i get a dry itchy feeling

[buddha]

My after shave concoction is comprised of Dickinson's Witch Hazel. I add aloe vera gel into it until it gets just a bit thickened and into that I add tea tree oil just until I can smell it when I put some in my hand. I use real tea tree oil, not just something that smells like it. This is good for me if I have made the mistake of using a blade that I should have tossed after the previous shave.

[Redgrave101]

thx for the suggestions Buddha. i can often smell the alcohol from the witch hazel sometime after applying it. using tea tree oil & aloe vera will likely help hide it as well as helping to reduce redness/razorburn.